Can't Dial in the Z3 - Wakesurfing

[begone]

So I'm having a hard time dialing in the Z3's wake for surfing. The wake is washed out and I'm not feeling any "push" that I was told that this boat is so known for. I have the Pro Ballast System with TAPS at 3-4, both sides of Bow 100%, Port 100%, and Starboard 50-75%. We had 4 guys in the boat yesterday all weighing between 185-225 lbs. I have the 1235 Prop as well. Not sure what's going on, but can barely let go of the rope and surf without it's help. Kinda weak.

Boat is a 2014 Z3 w/Pro Surf Ballast

Any suggestions?

[talltigeguy]

A few questions:

1. Have you surfed before? What is your experience level?

2. What speed were you going?

3. What surfboard do you have?

4. How much do you weigh?

I think the starboard side sounds a little heavy, did you use the inclinometer to measure how much list you have? No, serious, it has been done.

[begone]

1. Novice/2nd Season
2. Varied it from 10-11 mph with preset speed
3. Not sure, recommended board from dealer
4. 190lbs

Didn't use an inclinometer.

What should it be on the starboard side?

[Dandy]

With our Z1 (yes I know its a different boat but very similar hull) we run front full and surf side full. We have never had to add weight to then on surf side and will be adding larger sacs to get note weight.

Do you have the Convex VX?
If so that takes more weight.

Since you have a decent weight of crew start without opposite side weight and put everyone on the surf side and maybe 1 up front. Them you can move people around and see how it changes.

Check out Wake9.com and search for Ragboy on here. Hr has several posts with information on his Wake 9,Z3 setup.

Good luck. I am sure you will find a lot of help from all the great people here.

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[loudelectronics]

You are likely not running enough weight. Information that Talltigeguy asked are important.

The Z3 with VX makes a really long, nice wake if weighted correctly. With the pro ballast you will need to fill front 100%, Port 100%, SB 40% (add or subtract weight to firm wake up or remove the roost wash). You will also need to add an additional 800 lbs minimum of ballast under the bench seat pulled back to touch the stock sacs. You should be able to run 10.8-11.2 and have lots of wave to work with. Taps will be around 2-3 likely. Then place your people in the boat keeping in mind that it may be best to have some sit on opposite side of boat to firm up wake.

There are no excuses with this boat. With out a doubt, makes the best wake in the industry.

[Z3CO23]

Download the free clinometer app on your iphone or droid. The boat needs to be listed at a minimum of 8 degrees but no more than 10. I can only speak from experience from a RZR and RZ2. The RZ's don't like opposite weight at all..... washes out the lip something awful. Our boat only has the surf ballast and it needs about 300 extra pounds underneath the side seat to get that 8 degrees. The weight needs to be low so it improves the list. The people in the boat will help sink the boat overall.

I don't have much actual experience in the Z3 but I can say with 100% confidence you have too much weight in the starboard side. Dandy is 100% correct, check out wake 9's stuff.

Also, do you have the correct brackets for your VX. It's been posted here that some owners had brackets that were not correct for their VX's and it destroyed their waves.

[st68]

wake9 z3 ballast video... all you have to do is do exactly as they do and you will have the best surf wave of everyone and will not have to worry anymore about ballast!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjk3HpW3jrM

[chpthril]

Boat is a 2014 Z3 w/Pro Surf Ballast

Any suggestions?

VX?

[boardman74]

Not running enough weight. Z3 with stock ballast isn't all that impressive. if your going to run stock..then here's your best bet. Front full both sides. Rear surf side full. Nothing on the off side. Put all your passengers on the surf side as far back as possible.

[JohnZ3]

Non VX Z3 and here's my set up.
I weigh 190 lbs too.

Front and rear surf sides 100%
Front opposite side 50%
I like to run at 11.5 mph taps at 4.

With the wife and 2 kids (5-8 years old) aboard, I can get a fun wave for my skill level. Second season as well.
With more people piled on, the wave gets even better.

Tips from here and Wake 9 got me set up very quickly. The clinometer app helped.

[ragboy]

A couple of tips that may help. If you don't want to add the extra weight yet, don't fill up the front all the way. In that video, I think we do only one side, or one side and the other 50%. If you have a good amount of people weight, that video setup is good, if not, only half the front probably. With the stock weight and no VX you can make a good wave, you just have to put the FATTEST guys/girls in that surf corner.

If you don't want to take the plunge on the big sacs yet, you can just buy one or 2 440lb v-drive sacs and a tsunami pump. 2 is convenient, just stuff them under the side seat and push them back and under the rear so that the rear of the 440 starts just forward of the 350 sac in the locker. When you surf, also fill up the surf side 440 all the way, and then add the weight to the locker opposite side to get the desired list angle.

Take your time, master each weight as you move up, learn what different variations will do enjoy it. Don't hesitate to get a custom board, they help.

[begone]

Sorry, YES VX - I have the VX.

[begone]

Thanks for the tips, but I just don't see the point in buying a $100k+ boat with a Pro-Ballast System (upgraded Option) with the VX system, and still have to put in extra sacks - then I'll have even less storage on the boat. Bottom line is, the wake is pretty weak and I can't figure out why. I'm wondering if I have the correct brackets on this 2014 Convex VX (trying to figure out the actual production date) or if there's something else going on.

[chpthril]

Sorry, YES VX - I have the VX

Then you will likely need more weight in the aft then the OEM surf sacs.

[gibbs114]

You should have a good wake with the pro system but could be great with surf sacs. I would go with full front full rear surf side at 10 to 11 mph. You should not use any on the none surf side rear.


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